At the heart of the Intellijel Tangrams module lies a dual analog core-envelope inspired by the iconic Roland SH-101 and System 100m designs. Yet, the Tangrams is far from just an homage to these iconic synthesizers. This little marvel of modular synthesis brings a unique and impressive amount of functionality — a motley of features including the choice of cyclical or one-shot operation, control over various envelope stages via CV, and manual gate triggers.
Taking inspiration from trapezoidal function generators similar to the EMS Synthi, the Tangrams adds a voltage-controlled pulser circuit, linking the triggering of two envelopes. This can offer a vast array of effects, from the creation of delayed one-shot sequences to the sculpting of evolving, organic envelopes. With two onboard VCAs for each envelope’s level control, the Tangrams efficiently makes use of your other VCAs by incorporating the VCAs into the signal path of the module itself.
Each envelope generator provides a set of fascinating features: adjustable timing ranges for the stages, retrigger input for retriggering the envelope with the source gate held high, and a manual gate button. The VCA input can either be used to dynamically control the respective ADSR output level or to allow signals to be integrated into the path and sculpted by the ADSR. It's hard not to gloss over the wonders that could be possible with just this set of features: imagine the precise amplitude modulation, the timed pulsing tone landscapes, the arpeggiator-like sequences just begging to emerge from your hands.
The truly standout feature of the Tangrams, however, is the Pulser. This clever little part of the module offers individual control over the pulse “gate ON” time, referred to as T1 time, and the “gate off” time, known as the T2 time. The implications of this feature are thrilling: ADSRs can cycle with gate times differing from the intervals between gates, or ADSR2 can be triggered with a delayed time after ADSR1. The option to select either P1 or P2 as the pulse source provides even more textures and configurations. To top it off, further control is achieved through CV control over both T1 and T2 time.
Having these individually controllable stage times opens up the Tangrams to a vast array of interesting dynamic modulation possibilities. For instance, the creation of complex rhythmic sequences, unique modulation sweeps, and deeply expressive ambient patches. It really brings a wealth of inspiration and opportunities for creating captivating modulation sequences at your fingertips.
In conclusion, this dual analog core envelope explores the rich sonic environments forged by pioneering synthesisers but steps forward with a bold stride. Creativity thrives on constraints, and the Intellijel Tangrams doesn't cease to intrigue us with its distinct architecture, and offers a multiverse of modulation and envelope shape possibilities. By sensitively considering the needs of Eurorack users and delivering a product that can produce complex and dynamic sounds in an intuitive way, Intellijel has once again affirmed their place in the heart of the modular world. Sit down with the Tangrams, and let the wealth of advanced functions reveal a universe of sonic textures waiting to be discovered.
Example Usage
In this example, we will explore creating a cycling organic envelope using the Intellijel Tangrams module.
- Start by patching an oscillator or sound source into the VCA input of Tangrams.
- Set the timing range to your desired setting by adjusting the range switch (FAST, MED, or SLOW).
- Adjust the attack, decay, sustain, and release parameters of both ADSR1 and ADSR2 envelopes to shape the desired envelope.
- Patch a trigger or gate signal into the START trigger input of the Pulser section.
- Set the Pulser mode to CYCLE using the toggle switch.
- Now, adjust the T1 and T2 knobs to control the lengths of the ON and OFF phases of the cycling envelope.
- Connect the PULSE output from the Pulser section to the TRIG input of ADSR1.
- Use the PULSE output switch to select P1 or P2 as the source for triggering the ADSR.
- Finally, adjust the VCA input level to dynamically control the level of the sound source with the cycling envelope.
By following these steps, you can create a complex and evolving organic envelope pattern that adds movement and variation to your sound. Experiment with different timing ranges, envelope shapes, and sequenced patterns by adjusting the parameters of Tangrams to create unique modulation and gate patterns in your Eurorack setup.
In this example, we will explore creating a cyclical envelope pattern using the Intellijel Tangrams module. By using the Pulser function, we can achieve a cycling ADSR with a gate time that is different from the interval between gates.
To begin, let's patch a gate signal into the START trigger input of the Tangrams module. This will initiate the Pulser sequence. We will also need to patch an audio signal into the VCA input.
Next, let's set the timing ranges of the ADSR envelopes. For this example, we will use the MEDIUM timing range, which has an approximate A/D time of 35 seconds. Adjust the TIME knobs accordingly.
Now, let's configure the Pulser. Set the Pulser mode to CYCLE using the corresponding switch. This will create a repeating cycling pattern.
To create a cyclical envelope pattern, we will route Pulser stage P1 to trigger ADSR1 and Pulser stage P2 to trigger ADSR2. Use the panel switches to enable this routing.
To add some variation to the envelope pattern, let's introduce CV control over the T1 and T2 time of the Pulser. Patch an LFO or another modulation source into the CV inputs for T1 and T2. Experiment with different modulation rates and depths to achieve your desired effect.
Finally, adjust the output levels of the VCAs to control the amplitude of the envelopes. You can either use the ADSR output directly or use the VCA input to dynamically control the ADSR output level using a bipolar signal.
With this setup, you can now listen to the cyclical and organic envelope pattern created by the Intellijel Tangrams module. Feel free to experiment with different timing ranges, Pulser settings, and modulation sources to further explore the creative possibilities of this module.
Further Thoughts
In this patch example, we will explore how the Intellijel Tangrams can be used to create evolving and organic gate patterns, as well as intricate envelope shapes.
We will start by patching an oscillator into VCA1's input, and then connecting VCA1's output to an audio output. This will allow us to hear the effect of the envelopes generated by Tangrams.
Next, we will patch a clock source (such as a sequencer or an LFO) into the START input of the Pulser section. This will act as our main timing source for triggering the envelopes and creating rhythmic patterns.
To illustrate the versatility of Tangrams, let's create a cyclic envelope pattern that has a gate time different from the interval between gates. We will achieve this by setting up the Pulser as follows:
- Set the T1 and T2 knobs to the desired length of your envelope stages.
- Patch a modulation source, such as an LFO or an envelope, into the CV input of the T1 and T2 stages. This will allow you to dynamically control the length of each stage.
- Set the Pulser mode to CYCLE.
- Use the PULSE output to trigger the envelopes.
Now, when you trigger the Pulser sequence using the START input, Tangrams will generate cyclic envelopes with varying gate lengths. By adjusting the T1 and T2 knobs or modulating them with CV, you can create complex and evolving rhythmic patterns.
To further expand on the possibilities, let's explore delayed one-shots. We will set up the Pulser as follows:
- Set the T1 and T2 knobs to the desired length of your envelope stages.
- Patch a modulation source into the CV input of the T1 stage, and adjust it to create a delay in triggering the second envelope.
- Set the Pulser mode to SINGLE.
- Use the PULSE output to trigger the envelopes.
When you trigger the Pulser sequence using the START input, ADSR1 will be triggered first, and after a delayed amount of time set by the modulation source in T1, ADSR2 will be triggered. This creates a cascading effect, allowing for complex and evolving one-shot sequences.
Experimenting with different modulation sources, adjusting the T1 and T2 stages, and exploring the routing options for the pulse sources will yield a wealth of unique and organic envelope and gate patterns. This versatility makes the Intellijel Tangrams a powerful tool for creating dynamic and evolving electronic music compositions.